Our
fields are a laughing-stock to the neighbours, they're that poor and
wasted. Let us put all our minds into working, and have a good place
of our own.
CONN
Ay, and the grabbers and informers of this place would think
well of you then.
MAIRE
Who do you call grabbers and informers?
CONN
The people of this place. The people _you_ want to shine before.
MAIRE
I don't want to shine before the people.
CONN
I'm not saying against you, Maire.
MAIRE
You're wrong in thinking I want to shine at all.
CONN
Sure you go to every dance and ceilidh; and to every house
where you can show off your face, and dancing, and conversation.
MAIRE
Do I? Maybe I do. Every girl does the like.
CONN
I'm not saying against it.
_Pause._
MAIRE
You think I'm like yourself, wanting the praise of the people.
CONN
And what's the harm if you do?
MAIRE
No harm at all. But I don't go to houses to show myself off.
CONN
Troth and you do, Maire.
_He rises and goes towards the entrance, and remains looking out_.
MAIRE
I won't believe it.
_She goes to the settle. Anne comes in. Anne goes to the glass to
fix her hair_.
CONN
Had you a good night at Moynihan's, Anne?
ANNE
A sort of a good night.
CONN
I was going to tell you about a man I met last night. He had a
song about your grandmother.
ANNE
Was grandmother a great beauty, father?
CONN
Honor Gilroy had good looks, and indeed she made the most of
them.
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